Original submission

Mersea is a unique community in that it is an island of outstanding natural beauty with areas for the protection of the environment and birds. There has already been considerable development in recent decades which has impacted on the island's infrastructure. Further development would place an intolerable strain upon the infastructure. There is only one GP surgery which is struggling to cope with a predominently elderly patient list, the school is already at capacity, the roads are congested and in a poor state of repair. Dawes Lane in particular is narrow and has a substandard surface and there is a similar problem with East Road. There is only one road on and off the island which is subject to frequent flooding during high tides with resultant traffic tailbacks and and delays to travel back and forth to Colchester. Typical travel times during peak times have increased considerably in recent years. In short there is simply no more room on the island for further large scale development and such development would severely reduce the quality of lfe for existing residents and spoil the environemnt and special character of the place for future generations.